Gareth Morgan says the Social Security Amendment Bill could be the "most irrelevant sideshow" in the circus that is tighter targeting of social benefits.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has admitted the Government does not have the resources to test all beneficiaries under tough new welfare reforms.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says she believes some parents do not need to enrol their children in early childhood education - but concedes her welfare reforms will force beneficiaries to do just that.

Teens among the first "guinea pigs" for a new money management system for welfare say they get enough for food - but not for transport, baby supplies and medical costs.

A quarter of primary and intermediate pupils in poorer Waikato areas go to school hungry, researchers have found.

Monetary policy is always contentious when the dollar is high, and at the moment it is very high.

The bill pushing ahead with the Government's second wave of welfare reforms passed its first reading in Parliament today.

Jack Daylight came to protest against welfare reform because he wants a job. He was arrested yesterday outside the Ministry of Social Development's office in Auckland.

The Government's latest welfare reforms will help get people out of the "trap" of benefit dependency, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says.

Second bill in welfare reform cancels payments for those who refuse offer of 'suitable' job.

Legislation introducing an "investment approach'' to welfare has been signed off by the Cabinet and will go before a select committee after its first reading in Parliament.

Cost should not be only driver of social policies; principles matter, too, writes Tapu Misa.

Anyone who can understand the difference between rape and lovemaking can understand the difference between killing and compassionate assistance to die, writes Ann David.

Kawerau has one of the country's highest proportion of beneficiaries, with 1725 of its 6921 residents receiving some kind of assistance.

Dr Andrew Cardow says Paula Bennett appears to be working under the belief that beneficiaries do not have the wherewithal to decide what is best for their children.

The Herald continues its series looking at our changing National identity. Today, those aged 20 - 39, the children of Rogernomics.

Early childhood experts are in shock after a government decision to make education compulsory from the age of 3 for children of welfare beneficiaries.

Che Guevara's daughter, Aleida Guevara, says 'sometimes people know what he stands for, sometimes not'.

Editorial: A simple breakfast is not much to ask and should be provided for all children who need it. But if it is to be public funded, the food should be distributed by agencies that know a community.

Drug testing of beneficiaries comes in next year, with penalties for those who fail. What's your view on the government's policy?